Microsoft & Govt Launch AI Training Program Across 6 Indian States
In a significant step towards empowering women in the field of technology, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Microsoft to launch the ‘AI Careers for Women’ initiative. This program offers a comprehensive 240-hour AI training curriculum, along with certifications and career support, specifically designed for women. The primary objective of this initiative is to strengthen digital skills and create pathways to high-growth careers in the AI industry.
The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is a pioneering effort that aims to bridge the gender gap in AI and technology. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women hold only 22% of the AI-related jobs in the United States, despite making up 47% of the workforce. This program seeks to change this narrative by providing women with the skills and support they need to succeed in the AI industry.
The initiative will be implemented across six Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Over the next two years, the program aims to train and certify 20,000 women, providing them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in AI and related fields.
The comprehensive 240-hour AI training curriculum has been designed to provide women with a strong foundation in AI and machine learning. The program will cover topics such as Python programming, data science, and cloud computing, as well as AI-specific skills like computer vision, natural language processing, and deep learning.
In addition to the training curriculum, the ‘AI Careers for Women’ program will also provide participants with certifications and career support. This will include resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. The program will also offer mentorship and coaching to help participants overcome any hurdles they may face in their career journey.
The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is a testament to the commitment of the Indian government to promoting women’s empowerment and bridging the gender gap in technology. The initiative is also a reflection of Microsoft’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
“Today, we are taking a significant step towards empowering women in the field of technology,” said Rajneesh Singh, Additional Secretary, MSDE. “The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is a unique initiative that will provide women with the skills and support they need to succeed in the AI industry. We are excited to partner with Microsoft on this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of thousands of women across India.”
Satya Rao, Director, Microsoft India, said, “At Microsoft, we believe that technology has the power to transform lives and communities. The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is an important step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. We are proud to partner with the Indian government on this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the lives of women across India.”
The ‘AI Careers for Women’ program is an important step towards promoting women’s empowerment and bridging the gender gap in technology. The initiative has the potential to create a significant impact on the lives of thousands of women across India, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed in the AI industry.
